1.07.2009

Gratitude, revisited

A few days ago, I shared my word for 2009 ... "gratitude". Some days, it's a struggle to find something to be grateful for ... some way to change my perspective on something that's happening or being said. But, I do it and it is definitely helping my outlook. When I'm driving to work & some bozo's driving 10 miles under the speed limit, on the freeway, for some unknown reason, I now catch myself thinking "hmmm ... why am I supposed to be driving slower right now?" and I accept that unknown reason. Seems to be helping my blood pressure, if nothing else! ;0)

The last few days, a friend's had to deal with a very stressful situation. I've dealt with similar times myself & I wouldn't wish them on anyone. But, I suspect we've all been there, done that ... and wished similar wishes, felt similar heartache, similar frustration ... As I've thought about my friend's situation, I've realized something to be very grateful for: this friend & I have one another to laugh, cry, rejoice, bemoan with. Good, bad, weird, beautiful, frustrating, entertaining ... what a blessing it is to have someone to share the trust, the tears, the laughter with! How incredibly awesome it is to be able to be honest with another woman! What a gift I've been given ... to know I can say whatever, I can do whatever, I can be whatever ... and my friend will be here, right beside me ... as I will be for her. (Guess I should add a little disclaimer: my guy's THE best person in my life - well, next to my daughter *lol* but all women need at least one girlfriend - one true, blue girlfriend!)

I hope you have someone in your life like my friend ... If so, why don't you take a minute & share your gratitude for her/him, to her/him?

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. John Muir

In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year, bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil. And at no season, safe perhaps in Daffodil time, do we get such superb colour effects as from August to November.Rose G. Kingsley

Keep your love of nature, for that is the true way to understand art more and more.Vincent van Gogh

As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world.~Adabella Radici